As March Madness approaches, there will be a noticeable absent.
Rutgers’ season came to an end in a double-overtime loss to USC in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, thus bringing an end to Ace Bailey’s collegiate career.
The Scarlet Knight star is presumed to declare for the NBA Draft and is projected to be a top three pick.
While Rutgers didn’t have the team success, going 15-17 overall, Bailey still excelled.
In 30 games, the freshman averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists, while shooting 46% from the field.
Bailey carries an athletic 6’10” frame and 7-foot wingspan.
He has shown elite athleticism and elite shot-making, that will translate very well at the next level.
While most have penciled in Duke’s Cooper Flagg as the number one pick, one NBA star prefers Bailey.
A player who Bailey has already been compared to.
Philadelphia 76er Paul George.
The Sixers star spoke on his podcast (before his sabbatical) that he would take Bailey over Flagg.
“I think Ace Bailey can scratch a little bit more off of his surface than Cooper Flagg can,” George said.
“Which I think both will be All-Stars, both will be superstars once they develop and get to the NBA.
“I think both will be superstars. I think those two will definitely be the Magic Johnson and Larry Bird comparison in terms of similar body types and the parity between those two.
“But I’m going to go with Ace Bailey.”
‘Paul George 2.0’ is what draft analysts are seeing as a best case scenario for the Rutgers star.
And George isn’t the only NBA star who has his eye on Bailey.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was recently seen training with the 18-year-old.
Antetokounmpo was seen teaching Bailey moves in the low post, telling him he needs to be more aggressive when driving to the basket.
Antetokounmpo had a similar frame to Bailey’s when he was drafted in 2013.
He was about 196 pounds.
Bailey is listed at an even 200.
Antetokounmpo is currently 243 pounds.
And looks the part too.
Bailey will be hoping to put on muscle mass just as the two-time league MVP did.
The sky is the limit for Bailey.
And if he’s anywhere close to being the next George or emulating some of what makes Antetokounmpo so special, then look out NBA.
